My name is Enael Rodríguez, a spanish novelist, screenwriter, illustrator, painter, visual storyteller... Yeah, that's a lot, but I mostly focus on writing.
It is quite possible that the posts will have a mix of dialects but don't worry, it's all part of the charm.
My goal as a writer is to offer you a story so captivating that you forget it's time to sleep. I want you to experience my characters' emotions, to laugh with them, to cry with them, to fall in love with them… and, hopefully, for you to be unable to wait for the next page. I want to give you stories you'll wish to be a part of. I want to help you escape reality for a moment.
And I will do everything I can to achieve that and make sure you enjoy reading me.
I will post everything related to my novels and writing projects, story details, moodboards, character charts…
I also have a couple of short stories about my novel ready on Patreon, and will be adding more over time and as more of my novels come out.
My first published novel is Echoes of a Wish, a romance story with contemporary fantasy elements. The novel tells the story of Griffin, a twenty-year-old boy who has just entered a prestigious university in a new town. But Griffin is not alone, for the past five years he has been accompanied everywhere by Dalia, a shooting star he made a wish to when he was about to do something crazy as a teenager.
You can buy the book here!
And you can also read the first three chapters for free here!
On the other hand, I also have another novel called The Legacy of the Sea. This novel has Charlie, a young but notorious pirate captain whose goal is to find the treasure left behind three hundred years ago by the pirate Runa Ivrin, considered the queen of the seven seas and an exceptional witch. To do this, she's going to have to put up with the presence of a navy soldier, though she'll definitely be getting on his nerves, too.
But they will have to learn to work together if they want to claim the treasure, as the cursed island they must venture into guards the remnants of Runa's ancient magic. Charlie, however, isn't afraid of curses or enchantments, because she is no ordinary pirate.
If you are interested in Charlie's adventures, you can clic here!
Aaaand, if you want to read the entire first chapter for free, you can do it right here.
I have a Substack page where I post monthly updates to track my own writing progress, in case you'd like to take a peek.
I started this week at full throttle with chapter 2 of Liam's story. It’s almost there, I just need to review the very last scene and then I can say it's ready. The details I’ve added and the changes I’ve made are mostly to flesh out the characters and a bit of the novel's atmosphere.
The beginning of the story has a specific pacing, and I need to lay down a solid foundation before diving into the next section.
On the writing front, truth be told, I’ve been jumping between Charlie’s second novel and that other story I told you about last week that totally hooked me. To be honest, I’ve come up with a couple of cool little things for that story, especially for a character I’ve been wanting to fit in somewhere for a very long time.
This finally seems to be the story where they belong.
I can’t say much more about Charlie’s second book. I know where I want to go with it, as well as the conflict I want to handle in this part. What I’m still not so sure about, and I’ll figure it out as I go, is a specific aspect of the ending.
But I’m not worried. I always end up figuring it out.
As for the Charlie illustration I have pending, I’m this close to finishing it. Just yesterday I finished the shading, and all I have left are the lights and a few effects to make it look even better.
I also have an illustration planned for the new story featuring my favorite character, as well as a couple of looser sketches with the rest of the characters, something a bit more like a cartoonish comic style than what I usually do.
I think it’s going to be really cool.
And that’s been all for this week.
See you next week! (If my trainer doesn't kill me along the way with the new workout routine he sent me :') )
How would you feel if I told you that I’ve just had one of the best weeks, creatively speaking, of my entire life?
First of all, I’ve finished revising and editing Liam’s first chapter, and I’m right in the middle of the second one. I love what I’ve done, the details I’ve added, and the subtle nuance I’ve given to one of the characters. This is definitely going to give the story a lot more momentum later on.
Usually, I tend to use the weekends to rest a bit more and write less, but I doubt I’ll be able to contain myself this time for a few reasons.
One of those reasons is that I want to continue Charlie's story as soon as possible, but the biggest reason I can't wait to write is that I've come up with a brand-new story. All week long, I haven’t been able to stop thinking about it, the characters (I already have the main cast and the villains pretty much fully designed), the world (fantasy, of course), and the conflict, which, honestly, is a bit darker than what I’m used to.
But it has something I just can’t resist. I have the beginning, the conflict that drives the protagonist forward, and I have the ending. There are some scenes in between that I already have in mind, but most of the mid-story plot is something I’ll figure out as I write it, just like always.
I don't know how long would it be, or if it'll be one or two books (or three). There is a lot to tell, I have a lot of details of the world in my mind, but we'll see.
Who wants to know what it's about? 👀
Now, on the drawing side of things, I’m halfway through a new sketch of Charlie and someone who will be one of her newest and most important companions in the second book. Can you guess who it'll be?
In case you guys want to know more about The Legacy of the Sea and what to expect from it, here you have some q&a about the novel
The Legacy of the Sea tell the story of Charlie, a young but notorious pirate captain that has set her sights on solving the mystery that Runa Ivrin, the Queen of the Seven Seas, left behind. But just as she plots her course, an unfortunate run-in with the Navy leaves her cornered. Now, her fate rests in the hands of a cunning port city governor who offers her a deal she can't refuse: retrieve Runa's treasure for him, or face the gallows.
Well, after taking last week as a little vacation, this week I’m back at it with Liam's novel.
I jumped right into editing, and I have to say, I’m absolutely loving the results. I finished the prologue in just two days, so I quickly moved on to the first chapter.
I haven't finished proofreading and editing this chapter yet, but I can already say that I am really, really happy with the changes I've made. The opening is better, more elaborate, and I’ve added a few details to give the characters a couple of extra layers to make them more interesting.
There is a key element, a small object, that has become a fundamental piece for the entire plot. And the best part is that it goes completely unnoticed. I absolutely love that!
On the other hand, I’ve also been taking notes for Charlie's second novel. I haven't continued writing it this week, but I’ve gathered a good amount of information for one of the characters over the last few days. I don't think I've ever had so many saved videos on animal behavior.
As for the plot, there is a clear idea that follows the entire saga. The only things I'm missing are the details and how far I want to go. I know who the character accompanying Charlie will be, I have their name, their past, their role, and a few secondary characters. I just need to fill in the blanks in between.
But hey, that's something that, as always, I’ll figure out as I move forward with the story. My main focus is editing and proofreading Liam's novel (which, by the way, I still don't know whether to keep the title I gave it or think of a new one), but soon I’ll start writing The Heir of the Earth. I'm really looking forward to continuing Charlie's story and seeing the look on your faces when you read what it's actually about.
After all, there are more secrets that Charlie is hiding, and some of them she doesn't even know herself. ;)
Ayax and Aren might not be the most serious members of Charlie's crew, but they are certainly the most dynamic. Born into a circus family, they are now capable pirates who make the perfect lookouts.
This week has been more about resting than anything else, but, even though I haven't been particularly focused on writing, I’ve taken the time to go over a few details to keep in mind for when I dive into revising and editing Liam’s novel.
My plan was to spend at least two of weeks letting the manuscript breathe, but I don’t think I can hold out that long. It’s very likely I’ll open it this weekend and start editing the whole thing.
I have plenty of scenes in mind to add, as well as two new characters who, while secondary, add another layer to one of the main characters. Not to mention the scenes I left half-finished, especially in the final chapters.
One thing I have been tinkering with is the second novel in Charlie’s saga. I’ve got a short fragment of the first chapter where I introduce the second protagonist who’ll be joining her.
Is it too early to ask if you’ve already read The Legacy of the Sea? I’m dying for you to meet the second main character and, especially, a specific one who’s going to become very, very important to Charlie... even though I haven’t actually started the story yet!
A hint about that character: they are 55 centimeters tall.
And that’s all for this week. It’s been a quiet few days without much hustle and bustle, and honestly, I can’t go much longer without getting back to the keyboard.
Every good crew needs a good helmsman, even if Tenney is capable of getting into more trouble than his captain.
The Legacy of the Sea tell the story of Charlie, a young but notorious pirate captain who has set her sights on solving the mystery of Runa Ivrin, the Queen of the Seven Seas. But just as she plots her course, an unfortunate run-in with the Navy leaves her cornetes. Now, her face resto in the hands of a cunning port governor who offers her a del she can't refuse: retrieve Runa's treasure for him, or face the gallows.
The heat from the changing season is starting to become more obvious and, honestly, the urge to take a little trip to the beach and ignore the gym for a bit is growing, too.
But not even the rising temperature could stop me from sitting down to write, and thanks to that, I’ve achieved two things this week that are worth celebrating.
The first thing is that I’ve finished the first manuscript of Liam's novel! (Go me!)
It’s a manuscript full of holes, clearly, but it’s finished and that’s what matters. There is still a lot to do. I’m going to set that story aside for a week or two before returning to it. I need to fill in scenes, edit weak dialogue, add some characters, maybe even a chapter or two, and ensure that the information and plot explanations are exactly where they should be…
Yes, there is still work ahead, but I’ll get to it after a break.
In the meantime, and here comes the second celebration, I have something to keep me busy while Liam "breathes"
I’ve started writing the second novel in Charlie’s saga, The Heir of the Earth!
I have a couple of things clear about this novel. For example, a specific character who is going to become indispensable for Charlie for the rest of the saga, and another one who is… a bit more "special"
It will likely be a bit more serious than The Legacy of the Sea, but not by much, I can assure you of that now. Charlie has always been characterized by that light, absurd humor that I love, so I’m not going to let that get lost even if there are some heavier themes in the mix.
There’s still little to say about it, but I’m really looking forward to seeing where this novel takes me (even though I already know the ending).
On the drawing side, I’ve finished another illustration of Charlie and started another one featuring one of the scenes from the novel that I had the most fun writing.
For next week, I’ve been considering whether to write some summer-themed short stories. One with Charlie and her crew, and another with the characters from Echoes of a Wish. I’m not sure whether to do one with the characters from Liam’s novel too, since you don’t know them yet.
A month of progress, without a doubt. With its ups and downs, but with a lot to celebrate.
Thank God I do those weekly summaries on Patreon, because otherwise I assure you I wouldn’t even realize half the things I get done 😅
But the main and most important thing this month is undoubtedly…
The Legacy of the Sea is finally out
That’s right, Charlie has finally seen the light of day! It’s a novel I wrote quite a few years ago, but there was always something left to do before publishing it. One more scene, one more explanation, one more round of edits.
I kept putting off my friends who had already read the manuscript. One excuse after another whenever they asked me (and some even demanded to know) when I was going to publish that novel once and for all.
The excuses were silly, but now, after seeing the final result, and especially because of one specific scene I added during that last revision, the truth is I’m glad I waited a bit longer.
The novel is available on Amazon in paperback and ebook formats, as well as through services provided by IngramSpark, like Barnes & Noble.
Legends say the treasure of Runa Ivrin, the Queen of the Seven Seas, is a myth. Charlie knows better
Charlie, a young but notorious pirate captain, has set her sights on solving the mystery that Runa left behind. But just as she plots her course, an unfortunate run-in with the Navy leaves her cornered. Now, her fate rests in the hands of a cunning port city governor who offers her a deal she can’t refuse: retrieve the treasure for him, or face the gallows.
But she won’t be sailing alone.
Forced to adjust her plans to the governor’s whims, Charlie is burdened with Kasian, a disciplined Navy soldier assigned to ensure her loyalty. Together, this reluctant duo must navigate the treacherous waters toward the Wandering Island, a cursed, shifting landmass that has destroyed the finest Navy vessels whole.
To survive, they must overcome not only the island’s deadly enchantments but also their mutual distrust. Yet, the Navy doesn’t know who they are truly dealing with. Charlie fears neither witchcraft nor ancient curses for a simple reason: much like the legendary Runa, she is no ordinary pirate. She has a secret of her own, one that might be the key to reaching the treasure.
But, just in case that isn’t enough to convince you, the entire first chapter of the novel is available to read for free on Patreon.
I couldn't make it any easier for you!
It’s weird to publish a novel. This is my second time doing it (the fourth, if I count the short story anthologies I’ve participated in. The second time doing it on my own), and I feel... normal.
I’m happy, I’m glad to have put out another novel... but I want more.
To write more, publish more, tell more, draw more. More, and more, and more.
It’s a curious feeling, what is this fire burning in the pit of my stomach? Part of me worries that it will end up consuming me entirely. Will I end up burned out? It doesn’t feel that way right now. It feels more like something automatic and natural.
Even so, I try to pace myself at times. I need enough steam for the rest of the stories I have in mind! (and in the drawer)
I will be tremendously grateful if you check out Charlie’s novel. I promise you The Legacy of the Sea has a lot to offer you. Whether it’s a bit of entertainment, some sporadic laughs, or an exciting adventure.
On another note, let’s talk about Liam’s novel
I started this month at a really good pace, the same one I’ve had for a few months now, and the manuscript is about to reach its absolute end!
According to my mental calculations (which aren’t accurate at all), I have left to write the chapter I’m working on now and one more to finish it. That is, of course, if I don’t suddenly decide to write an epilogue.
But it doesn’t matter much anyway, because there are a ton of things and details to add in the next edit. There are scenes to modify, characters to refine, and a lot of content I’ve come up with as I went along.
It’s highly likely the novel will end up growing by two or three more chapters. One of the main characters needs to stand out more, in these last few scenes they’ve been fading a bit and I can’t let that happen.
Though I’m also not taking every thought of this kind that crosses my mind lately too seriously. Being so close to the end, I’m much more aware of what needs to go right and what things need to connect, which makes me write much slower and second-guess every sentence.
Is this dialogue okay here?
Am I describing too little?
Am I describing too much?
Have I already given this piece of information in another chapter?
Is this too repetitive?
Is this boring?
I’m proud of myself for moving forward despite all those intrusive thoughts. I have this last chapter full of notes and placeholders. Reviewing and editing it is going to be fun.
But, luckily, I’ve learned to keep pushing forward despite everything. I wouldn’t want a repeat of that time I got stuck for several months on a scene in Echoes of a Wish before being able to write the ending.
Liam is a complex story, with characters full of trauma and complicated emotions. It’s okay to slow down a bit at this stage.
The important thing is that it reaches the end, and I’m so close I can almost touch it if I just stretch out my arm a little!
The interactive story...
Can you believe I’m doubting what to do with it? (for a change)
I keep moving forward at a turtle’s pace, a snail’s pace, from single word to single word. Which is good.
I don’t remember if I’ve mentioned it on any other occasion these past few months, but I’m participating in the third installment of a short story anthology with a couple of writer colleagues from my circle.
On this occasion, since we had decided that the theme of the anthology would be “love and gods,” it occurred to me to write about Lyric, one of the romantic interests the interactive story will have.
It’s a scene I had in mind from the beginning. It is, basically, the scene that started the whole story, although there will be some changes by the time I get to it.
Well, I passed the story to a friend of mine and her reaction was to call me on the phone to scream in my ear: “Why don’t you make it one of your novels!? I want to read Lyric!”
It tempted me. I promise you it did.
And it did mainly because the other two romantic interests for the protagonist in the interactive story feel a bit weak to me right now. But that’s because I haven’t completely resolved their role and their own route in the story, not for any other reason.
I can’t deny that a traditional novel would be interesting because it would give me the excuse to play with the characters however I pleased, without worrying about keeping track of every sentence and the characters’ genders and the details attached to that.
But where would the fun be then? My idea with this was to do something different.
Although, of course, between now and when that story is even close to seeing the light of day, a lot of things can happen.
For now, I’ll stick with the initial idea and continue tinkering with the lines of code that still confuse me so much. In the future, we’ll see what happens.
About the illustration part...
I’ve put the drawing side of things on the back burner a bit this month. I’ve focused more on preparing things for Charlie’s release and the weeks following it.
I have a couple more posts ready, and many illustrations planned out. Some of Charlie, some of Echoes, and some of Liam. A few of them are a bit spicier than usual, and you guys know how much fun I have doing those illustrations.
And that’s all for this month
By May, I hope to have finished Liam’s novel. With the little bit I have left, I think I’ll be able to finish it in the first half of the month.
And then, a little break from writing for a week or so before getting back at it with...
I think a lot of people give up on dreams without ever really trying.
"You're so lucky, you've done so many things." I've tried. "I'd love to be an author, but I've never written anything." Try. "I'd love to spend a year or two overseas." Try! "You worked in TV? That's so lucky." I tried! I tried really hard! I went to film school for years. My first on-set job was watering background extras. I've done a lot, yes, but I've also tried a lot, and failed a lot too.
I could paper a wall with my fuck ups, and that's okay.
I think some people are so afraid of leaving the spawn point they never play the game.
Come in! The water's fine! Mostly! Okay, I admit, there are dangers, but also, you won't learn how to fight off a shark until a shark attacks. (Is this metaphor working? I don't know, it doesn't matter, I'm not hitting backspace for no one, it's locked in now).
When you try you sometimes fail, but is that really the worst thing? There are plenty of things in life I have tried and failed at. I understand safety nets, taking the time to make sure you'll be okay in case you fumble something is smart, but eventually you do need to try.
Also, being real, some things (like writing) aren't all that dangerous. Sure, it hurts when something you've poured your heart and soul into flops... but some pain is actually just what life is. You have to stagger out there to find your voice, your people, and it will be awkward and weird, but it's okay.
